Claude laid his hand on her shoulder. ‘You can do it, Rosie. Your mama is a great actress as well as a talented singer. Perhaps you’ve inherited some of her dramatic skills.’

‘It’s not funny, Claude.’

He smiled sadly. ‘I know, my dear, but we must try to keep the news from them for as long as possible in the hope that all will be well.’

‘I agree. I’ll find the decorations and try to act as if everything is normal, at least for a day or two, but if we don’t hear anything from Alex or Bertie soon I will have to tell Patsy about the newspaper article. I burned it last evening, by the way.’

‘You did the right thing, my dear. We mustn’t jump to conclusions.’

‘I’m going to speak to Hester. She always gives me good advice.’

‘And I’ll go to the parlour and see if I can assist Felicia.’

‘You’re too good to her, Claude. She tramples all over you.’

He smiled. ‘Maybe I like it like that, Rosie. Your mother is a good woman, despite her little ways.’

Rosalind watched him as he walked out of the room and she smiled to herself. She had not thought much of Claude when she first met him in her mother’s dressing room at the opera house, but as she had come to know him better she had changed her mind. Claude was flamboyant and a larger-than-life character with his extravagantly pomaded silver hair, waxed moustache and dandified appearance, but a kinder and more loyal man she had yet to meet. He had supported her mother throughout the ups and downs of her career, and he never had a bad word to say about anyone. She was smiling in spite of the seriousness of the situation as she went to look for Hester.

Rosalind found her in the linen cupboard, checking items off a list.

‘Hester, why are you doing that? You should leave such menial tasks to Annie. That’s what she’s here for.’

‘Assistant housekeeper!’ Hester said, curling her lip. ‘Annie Hannaford is only seventeen. She should be serving in her father’s shop. What qualifies a young girl to take over such important duties?’

‘Annie will never learn unless you allow her to take over some of the simpler tasks, Hester.’

Hester placed the list on the shelf and stepped out of the linen cupboard. ‘I suppose you’re right, but I’ve been doing this for more years than I care to remember. I’m not the sort of person who can sit by the fire and embroider or read a book.’